A new test reported in Nature Communications, a scientific journal, has provided evidence that a brain implant designed similar to a pacemaker can provide a notable boost to memory. This still experimental treatment could be a major breakthrough for Alzheimer’s Disease patients and other sufferers of brain trauma or serious head injuries.

Through electrical stimulation, the brain is sent electrical pulses when struggling to recall memory, while the implant remains inactive when the brain is functioning normally. Overall, the device was able to improve word recall by around 15% during the early experiments. “The exciting thing about this is that, if it can be replicated and extended, then we can use the same method to figure out what features of brain activity predict good performance,” says Bradley Voytek, assistant professor of cognitive data and science at the University of California, San Diego. Some of his past work has had a strong influence on these new experiments.

During the study, participants memorized lists of words, and after a short period of mental distraction, they were asked to recall as many words as they could manage. These tests were taken repeatedly, sometimes whilst the implant was active during memorization, and other whilst it was not. On average, recollection was 15% more successful during word sets when the implant was switched on.

For the first time in North America, scientists have performed a gene-editing surgery to permanently alter a man’s DNA in an attempt to cure a currently untreatable disease. Brian Madeux, 44, of Oakland, CA has a very rare disease known as Hunter syndrome. This disease is an inherited genetic disorder caused by a missing or malfunctioning enzyme. Without certain enzymes, the body struggles to break down complex molecules, and the buildup of these molecules can eventually cause permanent damage to appearance, mental development, and organ function.

Through an IV tube, Brain received billions of copies of a corrective gene, and a genetic tool to cut his DNA in a specific spot. Once the DNA has been cut, the new genes slip into place and direct cells to start making the enzyme lacked by the patient. This type of editing is called “zinc finger nucleases.” “We cut your DNA, open it up, insert a gene, stitch it back up. Invisible mending. It becomes part of your DNA and is there for the rest of your life,” explains Dr. Sandy Macrae, the president of Sangamo Therapeutics. Sandy’s company is testing this method for the treatment of hemophilia and two other metabolic diseases.

This method of disease treatment is far from perfect; it is possible that the virus carrying the new genes into the body could trigger an immune system attack. The insertion of new genes could also have a negative effect on existing ones. Methods currently being tested in the US have built-in genetic safeguards that prevent these gene changes from being passed on to future generations.

Exercise is a big part of living a physically healthy life, but could regular cardio and weight training also provide a positive boost to your mental attitude? Researchers have gathered evidence that suggests that people experiencing mental health issues want to exercise more, and want their doctors’ help to use physical activity to relieve their anxiety.

In a collaboration between Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, a survey of 295 patients currently receiving treatment at a mental health clinic was conducted to gather information about their attitudes towards exercise. Of this group, 85% reported that they would like to exercise more, and 80% believed that exercising improved their mood and helped to calm their anxiety. More than 50% of those surveyed also stated that their mood limited their ability to exercise, providing insight into a way therapists and physicians can better support their patients.

“Physical activity has been shown to be effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Current physical activity guidelines advise at least 30 minutes, five days a week to promote mental and physical health, yet many of those surveyed weren’t meeting these recommendations,” says Carol Janney, lead author of the study and an assistant professor of epidemiology at Michigan State.

In the future, therapists and psychiatrists may provide prescriptions for exercise, or enlist the help of personal trainers to provide their patients with optimal treatments for their mental health.

Canada is currently the only industrialized country that provides universal health care without providing universal coverage for prescription medications. Previous research suggests that 10% of Canadians do not take recommended medications for their conditions because of the high cost. If Canada were to implement a program with universal prescription medication coverage, it could save Canadians around $4.2 billion dollars annually.

“Not only will a national pharma care plan cost less than Canadians are currently spending, it will ensure better coverage so that every Canadian has access to the medications they need,” says Dr. Danyaal Raza, the chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare. Raza and the CDR believe the way medications are covered fragments purchasing power, and negatively affects price negotiation with drug companies.

The Liberal government has committed to reducing the price of medications, ut has never promised a move to a universal coverage system. As of now there are upwards of 100 pharma care programs in Canada run by both provincial and federal governments. Have one system would not only save Canadians money for necessary drugs, but also reduce administration costs as well. The government is certainly aware of this possible improvement to our health system, and the development of a national pharma care program is being investigated by the House standing committee on health.

The Canadian Pediatric Society has laid out new guidelines for parents concerning the consumption of energy and sports by children and teens. The overall message of their position statement is that most children and young teens should not consume energy or sports drinks and that companies that supply them should no longer gear marketing towards children.

A primary ingredient in energy drinks is caffeine, a supplement used to diminish fatigue and restore concentration. But the high caffeine content along with other secondary ingredients has a greater stimulating effect on children due to their lower body-mass. Sports drinks are often consumed after or during exercise to restore electrolytes and assist muscle recovery. These types of beverages also contain a large amount of sugar, which contribute to conditions such as diabetes and obesity and can also cause dental issues.

“The vast majority of children should really just hydrate with water. It’s the best thing for them,” says Dr. Catherine Pound, co-author of this statement and pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Consuming large amounts of caffeine in a short period of time can lead to some very adverse side effects, such as anxiety, heart rhythm abnormalities, and in some extreme cases, death. Diarrhea, vomiting, and irritability are also cited as side-effects.